Cyriel Dessers turned down the chance to join Nigeria’s camp for the September international window, Footynaija reports.
The Nigerian forward chose instead to stay in Athens and rebuild his rhythm with Panathinaikos after a difficult battle with injuries.
Greek outlet Sport24 reports that the 31-year-old was included in Nigeria’s initial plans but personally contacted Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle and asked to remain at Panathinaikos’ Koropi training base. Chelle and Nigeria accepted his request.
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It is an unusual call from a player seeking to strengthen his place in a fiercely competitive Super Eagles attack. Rather than travel for Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, Dessers has placed his immediate focus on his club.
It is not an unusual decision for Dessers after an injury-hit first season in Greece. The former Rangers man suffered a thigh problem while with Nigeria at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco and returned to Athens for rehabilitation, with the setback keeping him out for several weeks.
His fortunes have improved this season. Dessers scored an extra-time winner as Panathinaikos beat CSKA 1948 2-1 in Sofia to reach the UEFA Conference League play-offs in August, before opening his Greek Super League account with a 77th-minute header against Levadiakos later that month.
Dessers now sees the international break as valuable recovery and preparation time rather than another interruption.
His absence comes as Chelle prepares Nigeria for two important AFCON 2027 qualifiers, starting against Madagascar in Uyo before the Super Eagles travel to face Guinea-Bissau.
Dessers’ choice also leaves him outside a crowded race for Nigeria’s No.9 shirt. Taiwo Awoniyi, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare and George Ilenikhena are among Chelle’s central attacking options, while Victor Osimhen’s injury has denied Nigeria their leading striker.
